Our History

In 2014 the Weizmann Institute of Science celebrated 8 decades of discovery.

The Weizmann Institute Foundation was established in 1950 to promote support for the Weizmann Institute of Science.

The long-standing historical connection between the UK and the Institute began in 1933 with an early morning walk in London’s Hyde Park. Chaim Weizmann was the prominent statesman who met with leading businessman Israel Sieff to discuss their vision of creating a scientific research centre in the Middle East to bring prosperity, collaboration and a wealth of knowledge to the whole region.

This shared vision led to the creation of the Institute in 1934 by Israel and Rebecca Sieff, originally named the Daniel Sieff Research Institute in memory of their son. The original Sieff Institute was located among sand dunes and orange groves. It consisted of two main research branches, organic chemistry and biochemistry, and had just eleven full-time scientists. In 1949 the Sieff Institute was renamed in honour of Dr Weizmann’s 75th birthday, and formally dedicated as the Weizmann Institute of Science.

The Institute’s British connection is further strengthened by ties with the University of Manchester, where Dr Chaim Weizmann studied, and where the Weizmann Prize is awarded annually in his honour.

In 2004 the Weizmann Institute Foundation became Weizmann UK – to reflect the international nature of the partnership the Weizmann Institute has with its friends and supporters all around the world.

Apply to Our Education Programmes

Learn more about our flagship Science Education programmes

Find out More

Read our Impact Stories

Weizmann UK provides funding to the Weizmann Institute of Science in very large part thanks to the support and vision of our extraordinary donors. Find out more about why our donors support us and the impact their generous gifts have.

Find out More

Leave your Legacy

By choosing to leave a legacy in your will to Weizmann UK you are playing an essential part in changing the world for the better

Find out More